Columbus, Panettiere Team for Beth Cooper

Chris Columbus (first two “Harry Potter” films) and “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere are in talks to board the Fox Atomic teen comedy I Love You Beth Cooper for a spring start, says Variety.

Panettiere would play the titular character, a comely cheerleader who is the object of a nerdy valedictorian’s obsession. They embark on a series of misadventures after he proclaims his love for her in his graduation speech.

The trade says the project is based on a novel by Larry Doyle, a former writer for “The Simpsons.”

Columbus had already signed on to produce the project through his 1492 Pictures.

Panettiere also appears in the upcoming Julia Roberts starrer Fireflies in the Garden.